Fence cover and fence cover kit

ABSTRACT

A fence cover includes a first panel, a second panel, and first and second posts. Each post has a respective first post panel and a respective second post panel that define a respective channel that extends through a respective post. The respective channel is configured to receive a fence. The first panel is mechanically coupled to the respective first post panels of the first and second posts. The second panel is mechanically coupled to the respective second post panels of the first and second posts. The first and second panels define a sleeve that is configured to receive the fence.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates generally to fences.

BACKGROUND

Fences can become rusted, broken, and/or degraded over time. While itwould be aesthetically desirably to replace an old fence, it can becost-prohibitive to do so. It would be desirable to find aless-expensive solution to improve the aesthetic appearance of an oldfence.

SUMMARY

Example embodiments described herein have innovative features, no singleone of which is indispensable or solely responsible for their desirableattributes. The following description and drawings set forth certainillustrative implementations of the disclosure in detail, which areindicative of several exemplary ways in which the various principles ofthe disclosure may be carried out. The illustrative examples, however,are not exhaustive of the many possible embodiments of the disclosure.Without limiting the scope of the claims, some of the advantageousfeatures will now be summarized. Other objects, advantages and novelfeatures of the disclosure will be set forth in the following detaileddescription of the disclosure when considered in conjunction with thedrawings, which are intended to illustrate, not limit, the invention.

An aspect of the invention is directed to a fence cover comprising afirst panel; a second panel; and first and second posts, each posthaving a respective first post panel and a respective second post panelthat define a respective channel that extends through a respective post,the respective channel configured to receive a fence, wherein: the firstpanel is mechanically coupled to the respective first post panels of thefirst and second posts, the second panel is mechanically coupled to therespective second post panels of the first and second posts, and thefirst and second panels define a sleeve that is configured to receivethe fence.

In one or more embodiments, the fence cover further comprises arespective post cap attached to each post. In one or more embodiments,the fence cover further comprises a cover rail mounted on the first andsecond panels. In one or more embodiments, the cover rail ismechanically coupled to the first and second posts.

In one or more embodiments, the fence cover further comprises a railingmechanically coupled to the first and second posts, the cover railbetween the railing and the first and second panels. In one or moreembodiments, a gap is defined between the railing and the cover rail. Inone or more embodiments, the fence cover further comprises one or morelights mounted on the railing. In one or more embodiments, the fencecover further comprises one or more photovoltaic devices mounted on therailing; and a battery disposed within the railing, the batteryelectrically coupled to the photovoltaic device(s) and the light(s).

In one or more embodiments, a plurality of fasteners mechanically couplethe first and second panels to the fence. In one or more embodiments,the fence cover further comprises an expanding adhesive foam disposed inthe sleeve to adhere the first and second panels to the fence. In one ormore embodiments, the adhesive foam is further disposed in therespective channel of each post to adhere the respective first andsecond post panels of each post to the fence. In one or moreembodiments, first and second liquid reservoirs and a mixing chamber aredefined between the first and second panels, the first and second liquidreservoirs configured to hold first and second liquids, respectively,that form the expanding adhesive foam when the first and second liquidsare mixed in the mixing chamber, the mixing chamber fluidly coupled tothe first and second liquid reservoirs to receive the first and secondliquids therefrom.

Another aspect of the invention is directed to a modular fence covercomprising: a plurality of panel pairs of first and second panels; and aplurality of posts, each post having a respective first post panel and arespective second post panel that define a respective channel thatextends through a respective post, the respective channel configured toreceive a fence, wherein: a respective first panel of each panel pair ismechanically coupled to the respective first post panel of respectivefirst and second posts, a respective second panel of each panel pair ismechanically coupled to a respective second post panel of the respectivefirst and second posts, and each panel pair defines a respective sleevethat is configured to receive the fence.

In one or more embodiments, the modular fence cover further comprises aplurality of cover rails, each cover rail mounted on a respective panelpair. In one or more embodiments, the modular fence cover furthercomprises a plurality of railings mechanically coupled to the respectivefirst and second posts, each cover rail between a respective railing andthe respective first and second panels.

Another aspect of the invention is directed to a kit for a modular fencecover, comprising: a plurality of panel pairs of first and secondpanels; and a plurality of posts, each post having a respective firstpost panel and a respective second post panel define a respectivechannel that extends through a respective post, the respective channelconfigured to receive a fence, wherein: a respective first panel of eachpanel pair is configured to be mechanically coupled to a respectivefirst post panel of respective first and second posts, a respectivesecond panel of each panel pair is configured to be mechanically coupledto a respective second post panel of the respective first and secondposts, and when (a) the respective first panel of each panel pair ismechanically coupled to the respective first post panel of respectivefirst and second posts and (b) the respective second panel of each panelpair is mechanically coupled to the respective second post panel of therespective first and second posts, each panel pair defines a respectivesleeve that is configured to receive the fence.

In one or more embodiments, the kit further comprises one or morecontainers of a liquid that is configured to form an expanding adhesivefoam to adhere the respective first and second panels of each panel pairto the fence. In one or more embodiments, the kit further comprises oneor more containers of fasteners to secure the modular fence cover to thefence. In one or more embodiments, one of the plurality of posts is anend post, the end post including an end post panel that is mechanicallycoupled to a first post panel and a second post panel of the end post.In one or more embodiments, the kit further comprises a corner posthaving a first corner post panel that is mechanically coupled to asecond corner post panel, the first and second corner post panelmutually orthogonal with respect to each other so as to define a cornerchannel to receive a corner of the fence.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the conceptsdisclosed herein, reference is made to the detailed description ofpreferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular decorative fence cover 10according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the modular decorative fence coverillustrated in FIG. 1 with an additional fence cover section.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the fence cover according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the fence cover according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the railing illustrated in FIG. 4 according toan embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the fence cover according to another embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a top view of another fence cover according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the fence cover illustrated in FIG.3 according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the fence cover illustrated in FIG. 8according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an example illustration of a rotatable plunger according toan embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an example illustration of a spring wheel according to anembodiment.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the fence cover illustrated in FIG.3 according to another embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a post according to an embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a top view of a slidable shelf according to an embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a top view of the fence cover according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a corner section of the fence coveraccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of a modular decorative fence coveraccording to another embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a rear perspective view of the modular decorative fence coverillustrated in FIG. 17 .

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a post and a panel section according toan embodiment.

FIGS. 20 and 21 are perspective view of different configurations of thepost and panel section illustrated in FIG. 19 .

FIG. 22 is an example illustration of a pin.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram of a fence-cover kit according to anembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A modular fence cover is configured to be placed over and secured to anexisting fence. The modular fence cover obscures the existing fence,which can be a chain-link fence or one that lacks aesthetic value andcan be a less-expensive option to replacing the existing fence.

The modular fence cover includes a plurality of posts and a plurality ofpairs of front and back panels. Each post includes two or more postpanels that define a channel in the post. The channel can be axial orlinear to form a middle post or an end post or can be angled to form acorner post. The channel is configured to receive and a portion of apre-existing fence and/or a pre-existing fence post (in general,pre-existing fence).

The front and back panels are mechanically coupled to neighboring posts,such as to the post panels. The front and back panels are spaced apartto form a sleeve that can fit over and receive the pre-existing fence.The front and back panels are sized to form a visual barrier to obscureor hide the pre-existing fence. At the posts, the pre-existing fence isobscured by the post panels and/or by the front and back panels that aremechanically coupled to the posts.

The modular fence cover can be secured to the pre-existing fence usingfasteners and/or an expanding adhesive foam. Various aesthetic additionscan be added to the modular fence such as a cover rail that can bemounted on the front and back panels to cover the top of the sleeve, arailing that can be mechanically coupled to neighboring posts, and/orpost caps attached to the top of each post. The railing can includelights that can be solar powered through an internal battery that isrechargeable with one or more photovoltaic devices that are mounted onthe railing.

The modular fence cover can be sold as a kit that includes theindividual components of the modular fence cover in unassembled form.For example, the kit can include front panels, back panels, and poststhat can be assembled to form the modular fence cover. In anotherexample, the kit can include a plurality of assembled sections of themodular fence cover that can placed on the pre-existing fence andmechanically coupled to each other.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular decorative fence cover 10according to an embodiment. The fence cover 10 includes a front or firstpanel 101, a back or second panel 102, a first post 110, and a secondpost 120. The front panel 101, the back panel 102, the first post 110,and the second post 120 can comprise a modular section 160 of the fencecover 10. Posts 110, 120 can alternately be referred to as middle posts.The modular section 160 can be sold as an assembled unit or the modularsection 160 can be sold as individual components or subsections that canbe assembled by the user.

Each post 110, 120 includes a front post panel 111, 121 and a back postpanel 112, 122, respectively. The front post panel 111 is orientedparallel to or substantially parallel to (e.g., within about 5° or less)the back post panel 112. The front post panel 111, 121 and the back postpanel 112, 122 of each post 110, 120 define a respective gap, hollowregion, or channel (in general, channel) 115, 125 that is configuredand/or sized to receive and/or enclose a portion of a fence 150. Eachchannel 115, 125 has a depth 118, 128 that can be measured with respectto a first axis 161 that is orthogonal to a plane defined each of thefront and back post panels 111, 112, 121, 122. For example the plane canbe defined by an interior surface 123 of the back post panel 122. It isnoted that in other embodiments the front and/or back post panels 111,112, 121, 122 can be curved so that the posts 110 and/or 120 arecylindrical or another shape.

Each post 110, 120 is preferably identical or substantially identical.For example, each channel 115, 125 can have the same depth 118, 128.Additionally or alternatively, each post panel 111, 112, 121, 122 canhave the same or substantially the same (e.g., within about 5% or less)dimensions, such as with respect to the first axis 161, with respect toa second axis 162 that is orthogonal to the first axis 161, and/or withrespect to a third axis 163 that is orthogonal to the first and secondaxis 161, 162.

The panels 101, 102 extend from the first post 110 to the second post120. The front panel 101 is mechanically coupled to the front post panel111 on the first post 110 and to the front post panel 121 on the secondpost 120. The back panel 102 is mechanically coupled to the back postpanel 112 on the first post 110 and to the back post panel 122 on thesecond post 120. The panels 101, 102 are separated from each other anddefine a sleeve 130 to receive and/or enclose a portion of the fence150. The sleeve 130 has a depth 132 that can be measured along or withrespect to the first axis 161. The depth 132 of the sleeve 130 can bethe same as the depth 118, 128 of each channel 115, 125.

In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the posts 110, 120 isgreater than the height of the panels 101, 102, where the height ismeasured with respect to the third axis 163. This difference in heightcan be for aesthetic purposes and/or to provide space to add one or moreaccessories to the fence cover 10. Examples of these accessories aredescribed herein. Optional side panels 140 can be mechanically coupledto the posts 110, 120 to cover the exposed portion of the channel 115,125 that extends above the panels 101, 102. In FIG. 1 , the side panels140 are illustrated on the first post 110 only for illustration purposesonly.

The fence cover 10 is preferably constructed of an opaque material so asto obscure the fence 150 from view. For purposes of illustration only,the fence cover 10 is illustrated as partially-transparent. In someembodiments, the fence cover 10 can comprise or consist of a vinylmaterial (e.g., polyvinyl chloride (PVC)), polypropylene, and/or anotherplastic material. In other embodiments, the fence cover 10 can compriseor consist of metal, wood, and/or another material. The fence cover 10can comprise or consist of two or more of the materials describedherein.

The fence cover 10 can be modularly constructed to cover the entirelength or perimeter of a fence. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates thefence cover 10 with an additional section 260 compared to FIG. 1 . Theadditional section 260 can be the same as section 160 but sections 160,260 share a common post 110. In other embodiments, sections 160, 260 donot share a common post. The modular section 260 can be sold as anassembled unit or the modular section 260 can be sold as individualcomponents or subsections that can be assembled by the user.

The additional section 260 includes a third post 210, a second frontpanel 201, and a second back panel 202. The front panels 101, 201 andback panels 102, 202 can be referred to panel pairs or pairs of panels.Thus, the fence cover 10 includes a plurality of panel pairs or aplurality of pairs of panels.

The first post 110 is shared by each section 160, 260. The second frontpanel 201 is mechanically coupled to a front post panel 211 on the thirdpost 210 and to the front post panel 111 on the first post 110. Thesecond back panel 202 is mechanically coupled to a back post panel 212on the third post 210 and to the back post panel 112 on the first post110. The panels 201, 202 are separated from each other and define asleeve 230 to receive and/or enclose a portion of the fence 150. Sleeve230 can be the same as or substantially the same as sleeve 130.

The second front post panel 211 is oriented parallel to or substantiallyparallel to (e.g., within about 5° or less) the second back post panel212. The front post panel 211 and the back post panel 212 define a gap,hollow region, or channel (in general, channel) 215 that is configuredand/or sized to receive and/or enclose a portion of the fence 150. Thechannel 215 has a depth 218 that can be measured with respect to thefirst axis 161.

The third post 210 is preferably identical or substantially identical tothe first post 110 and/or to the second post 120. For example, eachchannel 115, 125, 215 can have the same depth 118, 128, 218.Additionally or alternatively, each post panel 111, 112, 121, 122, 211,212 can have the same or substantially the same (e.g., within about 5%or less) dimensions, such as with respect to the first axis 161, withrespect to the second axis 162, and/or with respect to the third axis163.

FIG. 2 also illustrates that the posts 110, 120, 210 of the fence cover10 do not need to be collocated or aligned with the posts 152 of thefence 150. Thus, the posts 110, 120, 210 can be offset, aligned, or bothwith respect to posts 152. This allows the fence cover 10 to includestandard-sized components, which is less-expensive to manufacture andless labor-intensive to install compared to manufacturing and installingcustom-sized components.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the modular section 160 of the fence cover 10according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, the height of theposts 110, 120 is approximately equal to the height of the panels 101,102. This figure also illustrates that an optional post cap 300 can bemounted on the top of each post 110, 120. The front panel 101 isillustrated as including decorative grooves or ridges 310. The backpanel 102 can also include grooves or ridges 310. The panels 101, 102can include additional or different decorative features in otherembodiments.

The fencer cover 10 is also shown as including an optional cover rail320 that is disposed and/or mounted on the panels 101, 102. The optionalcover rail 320 extends from the first post 110 to the second post 120along the length of the panels 101, 102. The optional cover rail 320 isconfigured to cover and/or obscure the sleeve 130 (e.g., as illustratedin FIGS. 1 and 2 ) defined between the panels 101, 102 to provide a morefinished look. The cover rail 320 can be mechanically coupled to theposts 110, 120 and/or to the panels 101, 102.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the fence cover 10 according to anotherembodiment. In this embodiment, the fence cover 10 includes an optionalrailing 400 that is mechanically coupled to the posts 110, 120. Therailing 400 can provide an additional decorative feature of the fencecover 10. The railing 400 is located above the cover rail 320 such thatthe cover rail 320 is located between the railing 400 and the panels101, 102.

The railing 400 can include one or more optional lights 410. The lights410 can be mounted on any surface of the railing 400 including thebottom surface 401 (e.g., as illustrated), the top surface 402, and/orthe side surface(s) 403. The light(s) 410 are preferably evenly spacedalong the length of the railing 400, but they can be unevenly spaced insome embodiments. The light(s) 410 can be powered by one or morebatteries 420, which can be embedded in the railing 400. Thoughillustrated in FIG. 4 , the battery(ies) 420 are generally not visible.Alternatively, the light(s) 410 can be powered by an external powersource such as an external battery or an external AC source. Thelight(s) 410 is/are can be light-emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescent,fluorescent, and/or another type of light. The light(s) 410 can be whiteor colored.

FIG. 4 further illustrates that a shoe molding 430 can be mechanicallycoupled to the bottom of each post 110, 120. The shoe molding 430 canprovide a decorative feature and can obscure any unevenness of theground or surface on which fence cover 10 is placed.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the top surface 402 of the railing 400 accordingto an embodiment. In this embodiment, a plurality of photovoltaicdevices and/or solar cells (in general, photovoltaic devices) 500 aremounted on the top surface 402. The photovoltaic devices 500 areelectrically coupled to the battery(ies) 420 to charge the battery(ies)420 during daylight hours. The battery(ies) 420 are shown in FIG. 5 forillustrative purposes only, and they would normally be embedded in therailing 400 or another location for aesthetic purposes. FIG. 5 alsoillustrates that one or more optional lights 510 can be mounted on thetop surface 402 of the railing. The light(s) 510 can be the same as ordifferent than the light(s) 410. The light(s) 510 can be electricallycoupled to the battery(ies) 420, but the electrical connection is notshown in this figure for illustrative purposes only.

The posts 110, 120 and/or railing 400 can include one or more removablesections 520. The removable sections 520 can be removed duringinstallation to access the fence 150 (FIGS. 1, 2 ). For example, theremovable sections 520 can be removed so that one or more sections ofthe fence cover 10 can be secured to the fence 150 (e.g., usingfasteners 610 (FIG. 6 ) and/or a cured adhesive 700 (FIG. 7 )). Theremovable sections 520 can be replaced after installation.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the fence cover 10 according to anotherembodiment. In this embodiment, the front and back post panels 111, 112,121, 122 have a depth or thickness, as measured with respect to thefirst axis 161, that is greater than the depth or thickness of the frontand back panels 101, 102, which can provide an additional decorativefeature of the posts. The front and back post panels 111, 112, 121, 122are mechanically coupled at the top and/or bottom of the posts 110, 120,as indicated by the dashed lines 600, which are partially obscured bythe fence 150. The front panel 101 can be attached anywhere along thedepth/thickness of the front post panels 111, 121. Similarly, the backpanel 102 can be attached anywhere along the depth/thickness of the backpost panels 112, 122.

This figure also illustrates that the fence cover 10 can be attached tothe fence 150 and/or fence posts 152 with fasteners 610. The fasteners610 can include clamps (e.g., hose clamps), wires, zip/cable ties,straps, rope, hook-and-loop fasteners, other fasteners, pop rivets,rivet nuts, cam lock fittings, cam studs, carriage bolts and nuts,and/or other attachment means.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a fence cover 70 according to anotherembodiment. Fence cover 70 is the same as fence cover 10 except thatfence cover 70 includes a cured adhesive foam 700 in the channels 115,125 and/or in the sleeve 130. The cured adhesive 700 can be an expandingadhesive foam. The expanding adhesive foam can be a two-part expandingadhesive foam (e.g., a two-part polyurethane foam) or a single-componentexpanding adhesive foam (e.g., a single-component polyurethane foam).The cured adhesive 700 can provide a chemical and/or a mechanicaladhesion between the interior surfaces of the fence cover 70 and thefence 150 and/or posts 152. In the uncured state, the liquid(s) for theadhesive foam 700 can be sprayed or poured into the top of the channels115, 125 and sleeve 130 before the optional cover rail 320 (FIG. 3 ) ismounted on the panels 101, 102 and and/or before the optional post cap300 (FIG. 3 ) is mounted on each post 110, 120. In another embodiment,the liquid(s) for the adhesive foam 700 can be sprayed or poured intoremovable caps 1500 (FIG. 15 ) on the optional cover rail 320 and/or onthe optional post caps 300.

The cured adhesive foam 700 can be used in addition to or instead of thefasteners 610 to secure the fence cover 70 to the fence 150 and/or posts152.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the fence cover 10 through plane 8-8in FIG. 3 according to an embodiment. A bottom view of this embodimentis illustrated in FIG. 9 . In this embodiment, first and secondreservoirs 801, 802 are defined between the front and back panels 101,102. The reservoirs 801, 802 are configured to hold first and secondliquids 811, 812, respectively, of a two-part expanding adhesive foam.The bottom of the reservoirs 801, 802 are defined, at least in part, bya slidable shelf 820. The slidable shelf 820 can alternately be referredto as a removable shelf. The slidable shelf 820 has an external handle830 at a proximal end 821 of the slidable shelf 820 that can be pulledlaterally (e.g., along or parallel to the first axis 161) to cause theliquids 811, 812 to fall into a chamber 805 where the liquids 811, 812can mix and cure to form a cured adhesive such as cured adhesive 700.

An optional mixing device 860 can be located in the chamber 805 to mixand/or agitate the liquids 811, 812. The mixing device 860 can include arotatable plunger, a spring wheel, a rotatable blade, or another mixingdevice. An example of a rotatable plunger 1000 is illustrated in FIG. 10. The rotatable plunger 1000 includes a shaft 1010 that extends along anaxis 1012, which can be parallel to the third axis 163. A plurality ofagitation paddles 1020 are attached to and extend radially from theshaft 1010. The shaft 1010 is configured to rotate about axis 1012 tospin the agitation paddles 1020 and mix the liquids 811, 812. The shaft1010 can rotate using a recoiling spring and/or a motor. For example,when the shaft 1010 is mechanically coupled to a recoiling spring, whichcan be the same as recoiling spring 1130 (discussed below), theagitation paddles 1020 and shaft 1010 can rotate in a first direction(e.g., clockwise) to mix the liquids 811, 812 as the liquids 811, 812pass over the agitation paddles 1020. The rotation of the agitationpaddles 1020 and shaft 1010 in the first direction causes the recoilingspring to be wound in the first direction. After the recoiling spring iswound in the first direction, the recoiling spring can unwind in asecond direction (e.g., counterclockwise), which causes the agitationpaddles 1020 and shaft 1010 to rotate in the second direction. Therotation of the agitation paddles 1020 and shaft 1010 in the seconddirection causes additional mixing of the liquids 811, 812. In addition,the rotation of the agitation paddles 1020 and shaft 1010 in the seconddirection causes the recoiling spring to be wound in the seconddirection. After the recoiling spring is wound in the second direction,the recoiling spring unwinds in the first direction (e.g., clockwise),which causes the agitation paddles 1020 and shaft 1010 to rotate in thefirst direction. This cycle of winding and rotation in the first andsecond directions can repeat until the liquids 811, 812 becomesufficiently viscous during curing to stop the rotation of the agitationpaddles 1020 and shaft 1010. Additionally or alternatively, therotatable plunger 1000 can be turned or pushed down at the top (e.g., toengage the recoiling spring) to make the agitation paddles 1020 rotate.

An example of a spring wheel 1100 is illustrated in FIG. 11 . The springwheel 1100 includes a body 1110 and a plurality of agitation paddles1120 that are attached to and extend radially from the body 1110. Arecoiling spring 1130 is disposed in and mechanically coupled to thebody 1110. As the liquids 811, 812 pass over the agitation paddles 1120,the agitation paddles 1120 and body 1110 rotate in a first direction(e.g., clockwise) to mix the liquids 811, 812. The rotation of theagitation paddles 1120 and body 1110 in the first direction causes therecoiling spring 1130 to be wound in the first direction. After therecoiling spring 1130 is wound in the first direction, the recoilingspring 1130 unwinds in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise),which causes the agitation paddles 1120 and body 1110 to rotate in thesecond direction. The rotation of the agitation paddles 1120 and body1110 in the second direction causes additional mixing of the liquids811, 812. In addition, the rotation of the agitation paddles 1120 andbody 1110 in the second direction causes the recoiling spring 1130 to bewound in the second direction. After the recoiling spring 1130 is woundin the second direction, the recoiling spring 1130 unwinds in the firstdirection (e.g., clockwise), which causes the agitation paddles 1120 andbody 1110 to rotate in the first direction. This cycle of winding androtation in the first and second directions can repeat until the liquids811, 812 become sufficiently viscous during curing to stop the rotationof the agitation paddles 1120 and body 1110.

A first key, notch, or pin (in general, key) 840 can be defined in adistal end 822 of the slidable shelf 820 to secure the distal end 822 tothe interior surface of the front panel 101, such as in a hole 842 thathas a complementary shape first key 840. When the slidable shelf 820 issecured to the front panel 101, the chamber 805 is defined by the frontpanel 101, the back panel 102, the slidable shelf 820, and a bottompanel 808. When the slidable shelf 820 is removed, the chamber 805 andreservoirs 801, 802 are merged and are fluidly coupled. The bottom panel808 can be secured to the fence 150 with one or more fasteners (e.g.,such as fasteners 610) and/or with a cured adhesive (e.g., an expandingadhesive foam).

The slidable shelf 820 can include a perforation 824 at or near thedistal end 822 which can cause or promote the breaking or snapping ofthe slidable shelf 820 after the slidable shelf 820 is pulled out andaway from the back panel 102 (e.g., along or parallel to the first axis161). For example, the slidable shelf 820 can be pushed downwards orpulled upwards with respect to the third axis to break/snap the slidableshelf 820 at the perforation 824. A second key 850 can be attached tothe distal end 822 of the slidable shelf and configured to mechanicallyengage a hole 852 (e.g., a key hole) defined in the interior surface ofthe back panel 102. The hole 852 has a complementary shape to the secondkey 850. The second key 850 can be formed on a projection 852 of theslidable shelf 820 that extends along the third axis 163 into thechamber 805 and away from the reservoirs 801, 802. When the second key850 is mechanically engaged in the hole 852, the portion of the slidableshelf 820, distal to the perforation 824, that remains afterbreaking/snapping can be mechanically secured to the back panel 102.

It is noted that the slidable shelf 820 can be oriented to slide in theopposite direction as discussed above, in which case the external handle830 is located on or near the front panel 102. In other words, thelabeling of the front and rear panels 101, 102 in FIG. 8 can beswitched/reversed in another embodiment, for example as illustrated inFIG. 12 . In another embodiment, the first and second reservoirs 801,802 and the removable shelf 820 can be located in one or more of theposts 110, 120, 210 (FIG. 2 ). For example, in post 110 the first andsecond reservoirs 801, 802 can be defined at least in part by the frontand back post panel 111, 112, as illustrated in FIG. 13 . A top view ofthe slidable shelf 820 is illustrated in FIG. 14 .

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a corner section of the fence cover 10according to an embodiment. The corner section includes a corner post1600 that has first and second corner post panels 1601, 1602. The firstand second post corner panels 1601, 1602 are oriented orthogonally orapproximately orthogonally with respect to each other. For example, theinterior surfaces of the first and second corner post panels 1601, 1602can define respective planes that are mutually orthogonal orapproximately mutually orthogonal. In other embodiments, the first andsecond corner post panels 1601, 1602 can be oriented at other angleswith respect to each other to accommodate fences having different cornerangles.

The first and second post corner panels 1601, 1602 are next to eachother and define a corner channel 1610 to receive a corner of the fence150 such as corner post 1652. The first corner post panel 1601 ismechanically coupled to the back panel 102 and to the second corner postpanel 1602. The second corner post panel 1602 is mechanically coupled toa back panel 1622 and to the first corner post panel 1601. The frontpanel 101 and front panel 1621 can be mechanically coupled to oneanother or a to a shaft or rod 1604 that extends along or parallel tothe third axis 163 on the inside corner 1606 of the corner post 1600.

In addition, this figure illustrates that post 110 can function as anend post 1620 with the addition of an end post panel 1630. The end postpanel 1630 can be mechanically coupled to the front and back post panels111, 112. The end post 1620 including end post panel 1630 can coverand/or hide an end post 1654 of the fence 150.

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of a modular decorative fence cover1700 according to another embodiment. Fence cover 1700 includes frontand rear panels 1701, 1702, front and rear panels 1711, 1712, a middlepost 1720, and a corner post 1730. Each panel 1701, 1702, 1711, 1712includes a plurality of pins 1740 on opposing sides of the respectivepanel. The pins 1740 attached to the rear panels 1702, 1712 are notviewable in this figure. Each pin 1740 is configured to mechanicallyengage a respective slot or hole 1750 defined in the middle post 1710 orin the corner post 1720. The slots 1750 can have a teardrop shape oranother shape that can releasably secure the pins 1740. Front panel 1701has a length (e.g., measured along or parallel to the second axis 162)that is sized to overlap the posts 1720, 1730 so that the pins 1740 canbe aligned with and mechanically engage the slots 1750 on the posts1720, 1730.

The front panels 1701, 1711 and posts 1720, 1730 are illustrated aspartially transparent so that the pins 1740 and slots 1750 can beviewed. The pins 1740 are on the inner side of the front panels 1701,1711 and extend from the respective front panel 1701, 1711 towards therespective post 1720, 1730 to mechanically engage the respective slot1750. The slots/holes 1750 defined in the posts 1720, 1730 extendinwardly into the respective posts 1720, 1730.

The middle post 1720 has two rows 1751, 1752 of slots 1750. The slots1750 in row 1751 are configured to engage the pins 1740 on the left sideof the front panel 1701. The slots 1750 in row 1752 are configured toengage the pins of another front panel in the decorative fence cover1700. The corner post 1730 includes a set or row of slots 1750 definedon a first outer surface 1731 that are configured to engage the pins1740 on the right side of the front panel 1701. The corner post 1730includes another set or row of slots 1750 defined on a second outersurface 1732 that are configured to engage the pins 1740 on the leftside of front panel 1711. The first and second outer surfaces 1731, 1732can be oriented orthogonally with respect to each other to define a 90°corner. For example, the first outer surface 1731 can be parallel to aplane defined by the second and third axes 162, 163, and the secondouter surface 1732 can be parallel to a plane defined by the first andthird axes 161, 163. Alternatively, the first and second outer surfaces1731, 1732 can be oriented at another angle with respect to each other,such as to define a 45° corner or another outer corner angle.

FIG. 18 is a rear perspective view of the modular decorative fence cover1700. As can be seen, the pins 1740 on the rear panels 1702, 1712 areconfigured to be aligned with and mechanically engage the slots 1750 onthe inner surfaces of the corner post 1730. For example, the pins 1740on the left side of rear panel 1702 are configured to be aligned withand mechanically engage the slots 1750 on a first inner surface 1801 ofthe corner post 1730. In addition, the pins 1740 on the right side ofrear panel 1712 are configured to be aligned with and mechanicallyengage the slots 1750 on a second inner surface 1802 of the corner post1730. The first and second inner surfaces 1801, 1802 can be orientedorthogonally with respect to each other to define a 90° internal corner.For example, the first internal surface 1801 can be parallel to a planedefined by the second and third axes 162, 163, and the second internalsurface 1802 can be parallel to a plane defined by the first and thirdaxes 161, 163. Alternatively, the first and second internal surfaces1801, 1802 can be oriented at another angle with respect to each other,such as to define a 45° internal corner or another internal cornerangle. The first internal surface 1801 is preferably parallel to thefirst outer surface 1731. The second internal surface 1802 is preferablyparallel to the second outer surface 1732.

This figure also illustrates that the rear side of the middle post 1720has two rows 1851, 1852 of slots 1750. The slots 1750 in row 1851 areconfigured to engage the pins 1740 on the right side of the rear panel1701. The slots 1750 in row 1752 are configured to engage the pins ofanother rear panel in the decorative fence cover 1700. The rear panel1702 has a length (e.g., measured along or parallel to the second axis162) that is sized to overlap the posts 1720, 1730 so that the pins 1740can be aligned with and mechanically engage the slots 1750 on the posts1720, 1730. In some embodiments, a third row 1853 of slots 1750 can bedefined on the side surface 1722 of the middle post 1720 which canprovide an alternative connection point to a front or rear panel, suchas to form a corner post.

The pins 1740 and/or slots 1750 can have flexibility to accommodatedifferent connection angles between adjacent panels. For example, thepins 1740 can be pivotably attached to the panels 1701, 1702, 1711,and/or 1712. Additionally or alternatively, the slots 1750 can be sizedto attach to the pins 1740 at a range of angles.

Similar to FIG. 17 , the rear panels 1702, 1712 and posts 1720, 1730 areillustrated as partially transparent so that the pins 1740 and slots1750 can be viewed. The pins 1740 are on the inner side of the rearpanels 1702, 1712 and extend from the respective rear panel 1702, 1712towards the respective post 1720, 1730 to mechanically engage therespective slot 1750. The slots/holes 1750 defined in the posts 1720,1730 extend inwardly into the respective posts 1720, 1730.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a post 1900 and a panel section 1910according to an embodiment. The post 1900 includes a first surface 1901into which a plurality of first slots 1921 are defined. The post 1900also includes a second surface 1902 into which a plurality of secondslots 1922 are defined. The second slots 1922 can be the same as slots1750. The first and second slots 1921, 1922 can be shaped differentlyand configured to be mechanically engage with different types ofsecuring means, such as hooks, pins, or other securing projection. Thiscan provide flexibility in securing the post 1900 to differentportions/sides of the panel section 1910, for example to former a cornerpost, a middle post, or an end post.

The panel section 1910 includes a front panel 1911, a rear panel 1912,and a side panel 1913. A plurality of pins 1740 are attached to the leftside of the front panel 1911, such as in a column. A plurality of hooks1930 are attached to the side panel 1913, which is attached to the frontand rear panels 1911, 1912. In one configuration, the hooks 1930 aremechanically coupled to the first slots 1921, as illustrated in FIG. 20. In another configuration, the pins 1740 are mechanically coupled tothe second slots 1922, as illustrated in FIG. 21 . The panel section1910 is transparent in FIGS. 20 and 21 for illustration purposes only.

In some embodiments, the hooks 1930 and/or the pins 1740 can beremovably coupled to the panel section 1910. When the hooks 1930 aremechanically coupled to the first slots 1921, the pins 1740 can beremoved to improve the aesthetic appearance of panel section 1910. Whenthe pins 1740 are mechanically coupled to the second slots 1922, thehooks 1930 can be removed to improve the aesthetic appearance of panelsection 1910.

FIG. 22 is an example illustration of a pin 1740. The pin 1740 includesa shaft 2200 and a head 2210. The head 2210 is circular in thisembodiment but can be rectangular or another shape in other embodiments.The shaft 2200 is configured to be mechanically coupled to the relevantpanel such as to the front panel 1701, 1711, 1911 or to the rear panel1702, 1712. The head 2210 is configured to be inserted into and tomechanically engage a slot or hole in a post, such as slot 1750, 1922.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram of a fence-cover kit 2300 according to anembodiment. The kit 2300 is configured to be assembled to form a fencecover, such as fence cover 10 and/or fence cover 70.

The kit 2300 includes a plurality of posts 2310, a plurality of frontpanels 2320, and a plurality of back panels 2330. The posts 2310 caninclude one or more corner posts 2311, one or more end posts 2312, oneor more middle posts 2313. The corner post(s) 2311 can be the same as orsimilar to corner post 1600, 1730. The end post(s) 2312 can be the sameas or similar to end post 1620. The middle post(s) 2313 can be the sameas or similar to posts 110, 120, 210, and/or 1720. The posts 2310 canhave slots or holes, such as slots 1750, 1921, 1922, defined therein.

The front panels 2320 can be the same as or similar to front panels 101,201, 1621, 1701, and/or 1711. The back panels 2330 can be the same as orsimilar to front panels 102, 202, 1622, 1702, and/or 1712. The front andback panels 2320, 2330 can include panel pairs 2325 where each panelpair 2325 includes one front panel 2320 and one back panel 2330. In someembodiments, the panel pairs 2325 can be pre-attached such as panelsection 1910, which can include a side panel 1913. Pins 1740, hooks1930, and/or other attachment means can be mechanically coupled (e.g.,releasably mechanically coupled to the front panels 2320, the backpanels 2330, and/or to the panel section 1910.

In some embodiments, the kit 2300 further includes a plurality of coverrails 2340, which can be the same as or similar to cover rail 320.Additionally or alternatively, the kit 2300 further includes a pluralityof railings 2350, which can be the same as or similar to railings 400.The railing(s) 2350 can optionally include lights 2352 and/orphotovoltaic devices 2354. Lights 2352 can be the same as or similar tolights 410 and/or 510. Photovoltaic devices 2354 can be the same as orsimilar to photovoltaic devices 500. Each railing 2350 can include aninternal battery (e.g., battery 420) that can power the lights 2352 andthat can be charged by the photovoltaic devices 500. Additionally oralternatively, the kit 2300 further includes a plurality of post caps2360, which can be the same as or similar to post caps 300. Additionallyor alternatively, the kit 2300 further includes a plurality of sidepanels 2370 which can be the same as or similar to side panels 140.

The kit 2300 can also include one or more containers of a liquid thatcan form an expanding adhesive foam. For example, the kit 2300 caninclude a plurality of containers 2380 that include a pre-mixed liquidfor a two-part expanding adhesive foam or a liquid for asingle-component expanding adhesive foam. Alternatively, containers 2380can include liquid for the first part of a two-part expanding adhesivefoam and containers 2390 can include liquid for the second part of thetwo-part expanding adhesive foam.

The kit 2300 can also include one or more containers 2400 of fastenersto secure the fence cover (e.g., fence cover 10) to a fence (e.g., fence150) and/or fence post (e.g., fence post 152). The fasteners can be thesame as or similar to fasteners 610. The kit 2300 can also include oneor more mixing devices 2410 for mixing liquid for a two-part expandingadhesive foam. The mixing devices 2410 can be the same as or similar tomixing devices 860, such as one or more rotatable plungers 1000 and/orone or more spring wheels 1100.

The invention should not be considered limited to the particularembodiments described above, but rather should be understood to coverall aspects of the invention as fairly set out in the attached claims.Various modifications, equivalent processes, as well as numerousstructures to which the invention may be applicable, will be apparent tothose skilled in the art to which the invention is directed upon reviewof this disclosure. The claims are intended to cover such modificationsand equivalents.

Also, as described, some aspects may be embodied as one or more methods.The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitableway. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts areperformed in an order different than illustrated, which may includeperforming some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequentialacts in illustrative embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fence cover comprising: a first panel; a secondpanel; and first and second posts, each post having a respective firstpost panel and a respective second post panel that define a respectivechannel that extends through a respective post, the respective channelconfigured to receive a fence, wherein: the first panel is mechanicallycoupled to the respective first post panels of the first and secondposts, the second panel is mechanically coupled to the respective secondpost panels of the first and second posts, and the first and secondpanels define a sleeve that is configured to receive the fence.
 2. Thefence cover of claim 1, further comprising a respective post capattached to each post.
 3. The fence cover of claim 2, further comprisinga cover rail mounted on the first and second panels.
 4. The fence coverof claim 3, wherein the cover rail is mechanically coupled to the firstand second posts.
 5. The fence cover of claim 3, further comprising arailing mechanically coupled to the first and second posts, the coverrail between the railing and the first and second panels.
 6. The fencecover of claim 5, wherein a gap is defined between the railing and thecover rail.
 7. The fence cover of claim 6, further comprising one ormore lights mounted on the railing.
 8. The fence cover of claim 7,further comprising: one or more photovoltaic devices mounted on therailing; and a battery disposed within the railing, the batteryelectrically coupled to the photovoltaic device(s) and the light(s). 9.The fence cover of claim 1, wherein a plurality of fastenersmechanically couple the first and second panels to the fence.
 10. Thefence cover of claim 9, further comprising an expanding adhesive foamdisposed in the sleeve to adhere the first and second panels to thefence.
 11. The fence cover of claim 10, wherein the adhesive foam isfurther disposed in the respective channel of each post to adhere therespective first and second post panels of each post to the fence. 12.The fence cover of claim 10, wherein first and second liquid reservoirsand a mixing chamber are defined between the first and second panels,the first and second liquid reservoirs configured to hold first andsecond liquids, respectively, that form the expanding adhesive foam whenthe first and second liquids are mixed in the mixing chamber, the mixingchamber fluidly coupled to the first and second liquid reservoirs toreceive the first and second liquids therefrom.
 13. A modular fencecover comprising: a plurality of panel pairs of first and second panels;and a plurality of posts, each post having a respective first post paneland a respective second post panel that define a respective channel thatextends through a respective post, the respective channel configured toreceive a fence, wherein: a respective first panel of each panel pair ismechanically coupled to the respective first post panel of respectivefirst and second posts, a respective second panel of each panel pair ismechanically coupled to a respective second post panel of the respectivefirst and second posts, and each panel pair defines a respective sleevethat is configured to receive the fence.
 14. The modular fence cover ofclaim 13, further comprising a plurality of cover rails, each cover railmounted on a respective panel pair.
 15. The fence cover of claim 14,further comprising a plurality of railings mechanically coupled to therespective first and second posts, each cover rail between a respectiverailing and the respective first and second panels.
 16. A kit for amodular fence cover, comprising: a plurality of panel pairs of first andsecond panels; and a plurality of posts, each post having a respectivefirst post panel and a respective second post panel define a respectivechannel that extends through a respective post, the respective channelconfigured to receive a fence, wherein: a respective first panel of eachpanel pair is configured to be mechanically coupled to a respectivefirst post panel of respective first and second posts, a respectivesecond panel of each panel pair is configured to be mechanically coupledto a respective second post panel of the respective first and secondposts, and when (a) the respective first panel of each panel pair ismechanically coupled to the respective first post panel of respectivefirst and second posts and (b) the respective second panel of each panelpair is mechanically coupled to the respective second post panel of therespective first and second posts, each panel pair defines a respectivesleeve that is configured to receive the fence.
 17. The kit of claim 16,further comprising one or more containers of a liquid that is configuredto form an expanding adhesive foam to adhere the respective first andsecond panels of each panel pair to the fence.
 18. The kit of claim 17,further comprising one or more containers of fasteners to secure themodular fence cover to the fence.
 19. The kit of claim 17, wherein oneof the plurality of posts is an end post, the end post including an endpost panel that is mechanically coupled to a first post panel and asecond post panel of the end post.
 20. The kit of claim 17, furthercomprising a corner post having a first corner post panel that ismechanically coupled to a second corner post panel, the first and secondcorner post panel mutually orthogonal with respect to each other so asto define a corner channel to receive a corner of the fence.